I was extremely disappointed in the focus of the article about the three candidates for Bothell City Council, position 4. Instead of releasing a responsible, factual report on “legal scrapes” occurring from one to two-and-a-half decades ago, it reads like a scandal sheet exposé.

James McNeal is a thoughtful, mature man who has learned a lot about life through his mistakes. With his compassion, concern for the city, and gentle upbeat attitude that insists on staying positive despite many opportunities to turn negative, he has impressed me as a man with sufficient dedication to serve on the Council with integrity and wisdom.

Nietzsche’s profound truism, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” sums up McNeal. He is exactly the kind of tough and strong, but gentle, person we need to represent us on a council that for too long has been perceived as self-serving.

I am proud to endorse him.

Sara Glerum, Bothell